The Golden Rule

December 18, 2008
Do Unto Others
The Golden Rule

All over the world, there exists a simple precept that, when followed, has the power to end conflict and banish strife. It is the Golden Rule, a key concept in many philosophies and spiritualities that admonishes us to 揹o unto others as we would have them do unto us.?Its meaning is clear: treat others only in ways that you would want to be treated. However, the golden rule is not always easy to follow. It can be a challenge to honor others as we wish to be honored. Yet, when we do so, we bestow a gift of loving kindness on our fellow human beings. And, in honoring others, we honor ourselves.

It is as uncomplicated a tenet as one could wish for. When we live by it, harming another person becomes nearly impossible. The Golden Rule is rooted in pure empathy and does not compel us to perform any specific act. Rather, it gently guides us to never let our actions toward others be out of harmony with our own desires. The Golden Rule asks us to be aware of the effect our words and actions may have on another person and to imagine ourselves in their place. It calls on us to ask ourselves how we would feel if what we were about to do were directed toward us. And yet this rule invites us to do more than not harm others. It suggests that we look for opportunities to behave toward others in the same ways that we would want others to act toward us. Showing compassion, being considerate of others, caring for the less fortunate, and giving generously are what can result when you follow the Golden Rule.

Adhering to the Golden Rule whenever possible can have a positive effect on the world around you because kindness begets kindness. In doing so, you generate a flow of positive energy that enfolds everyone you encounter in peace, goodwill, and harmony.

Overcoming Fear

Are our lives a continuous release of individual fears????

Ujjayi Breathe

Ujjayi breathing is a breath technique employed in a variety of Hindu and Taoist Yoga practices. In relation to Hindu Yoga, it is sometimes called "the ocean breath". Unlike some other forms of pranayama, the ujjayi breath is typically done in association with asana practice.

Ujjayi is a diaphragmatic breath, which first fills the lower belly (activating the first and second chakras), rises to the lower rib cage (the third and fourth chakras), and finally moves into the upper chest and throat. The technique is very similar to the three-part Tu-Na breathing found in Taoist Qi Gong practice.

Inhalation and exhalation are both done through the nose. For beginners to yoga, the "ocean sound" is created by moving the glottis as air passes in and out. As the throat passage is narrowed so, too, is the airway, the passage of air through which creates a "rushing" sound. The length and speed of the breath is controlled by the diaphragm, the strengthening of which is, in part, the purpose of ujjayi.

For beginners to yoga, it is often suggested that proper execution of the ujjayi breath be audible. Ujjayi breathing by an experienced practitioner, however, is soundless – the only sensory feedback that the skilled practitioner has is the faint sensation of rubbing or vibration in the throat; the breath is so effortless that it would not move a feather held in front of the face. The inhalations and exhalations are equal in duration, and are controlled in a manner that causes no distress to the practitioner.

Ujjayi is a balancing and calming breath, which increases oxygenation and builds internal body heat^{[citation needed]}. [This description of ujjayi is that inspired by Sri T. Krishnamacharya, who taught the creators of Ashtanga Yoga, Iyengar Yoga, and many others.]

Daily Om

December 1, 2008
Growing Pains
Initiations For Growth

Life is about growth, which is wonderful, though not always easy. Indeed, many of life’s lessons can be painful or difficult. Yet, such challenges are often the ones that present the most opportunity for spiritual growth. Initiations for growth come in many forms. In fact, we can view every challenge in life as an opportunity to learn and grow. While these disruptions in life are not easy, they are necessary.

The challenges the universe sends us can seem unbearable at times: a job we don’t want to spend another day at, a broken heart that feels as if it will never heal, or a long and painful illness. And then, there are the challenges that can be just as scary because we are being called to step up to the plate in ways that we may think we are not yet ready for: overcoming our fears in order to realize a lifelong dream, leaving behind a situation or people in our life that we may have outgrown, or moving across the world for our dream job or life partner.

At such times, it can feel as if the world is testing us and that life is asking more of us than we think we can give. We may feel uncomfortable, frightened, and unsure of what to do. However, life isn’t so much going against us as it is encouraging us to grow. During these periods, we can grow stronger by putting one foot in front of the other, as we work through our challenges. We may be asked to let go of old safety measures, shift old patterns of behavior, or step into the abyss of the unknown. When we do rise to the occasion, we end up better off for having made that journey. Not only do we end up learning and growing, but we inevitably become more compassionate to the challenges of others and wiser in the ways of the world. Our faith in the universe also grows because, ultimately, we can’t help but realize how much we are supported and taken care of at all times. When we are in the midst of a growing period, it is not easy to see our reward, but it is there, waiting fo! r us to grow big enough to reach it.

I am humbled with Gratitude

I was in an accident with my car....My initial reaction was Fear..but was able to move through it fairly quickly, for me this is progress. It was a lesson in Aparigraha, Non- Attachment. I have been Blessed by so many kind people......I am humbled with Gratitude.........Thank you for all my Blessings..Including all of you...Happy Thanks Giving.............

Humble pie

Humility is not nature. I believe it is nestled within the ego and nurtured and it seems to take a great slap upside the head for some of us to recognize this virtue. Some of us may never know it. Experience has led me down the varied paths of corporal discipline. Many times. Over and over and over and over again. It always works the best when it comes from someone I really look up to and respect. Or maybe they just have bigger "humility building" muscles...big "anti-ego guns." It's my ego that leads me to think I don't have an ego : )...or at least much of one. But, in "humble" defense of my ego...it's my ego that keeps me getting up in the morning. The thought that someone needs me to help them get through their day (usually it's my kids...possibly my husband)...and it is probably pretty accurate, most of the time. Ego feeds any amount of inspiration or ambition that leads to creativity and growth. Ego provides the confidence to face people every day. As a "seeker", my ego leads me to my teacher and my books to feed my arsenal of knowledge so that I can, someday, present what I've learned as I've applied it in my life. Sometimes, we step outside of bounds (let me just say, here, that what I have learned and experienced in my life is that that "edge" gets narrower and narrower and narrower as I grow up...which means that it becomes much easier to step outside the boundary) and someone with "big guns" comes and slaps us upside our big ol' head. "HEY KIM! Pull your head out of your butt! Little too much ego, here...back off, Girl." Followed by loud sirens and red lights...and every so often, a firing squad. And I cower off into the corner with my tail between my legs and my face hidden in my arm...for awhile. Licking my wounds...a shattered ego. A large dose of humility fed, sometimes, in the guise of cruelty and public death. Because that's what it takes. Our egos get too big...or, ignorance numbs our awareness. Something.

Don't be afraid to face humility. The "guy's with the big-guns" are there for our own good. Or maybe for the Greater Good. And, just a little bit of cushioning to the blow: Remember what your intention was. If it came from a good place, learn from the consequences and let it go. Don't take it personally. It's not always about you, anyway : )

Authentic

Good music. People with LOTs of character. One follows the other. A big fan of Susan Tedeschi, I was tuning in to her yesterday...listening to some of her groovy lyrics. In "Gonna Move", she talks about moving to the big city to go to college...how they wanted her to be someone she wasn't. They'd teach her how to think. "...all those books were making her lose [her] smile." You can't be a singer! Be real! Yeah..."they" told Stevie Ray Vaughn the same thing...couldn't really sing, but the man could WAIL on the guitar...composition, lyrics...legendary talent. And authentic. In the movies, "They" wanted Paul Newman to play the handsome hero, the love interest...he said, "yeah...no. Not me. I wanna be the hard case." Authentic, he was. The people who never sell out. Embracing who they are and who they want to be. It's made me consider some of the paths I've taken. Lot's of paths led to nowhere : )...at least seemingly. A college degree that I don't use...much...other than to say I have one. The paths that taught me the most are the ones that some might think I should regret. My acting in "bad" form...a little gullible in some instances...but most of the time out of curiosity...and selfishness. All of these paths have led me to this place and that is why I don't regret. Ever. That is not the same as feeling remorse to those people I have hurt...(and there are plenty.) Yoga has helped me to understand that it doesn't serve to dwell and wallow in past actions just to regret...but that is not the same as being aware enough to learn from the past, "examining our wake," so to speak. And, maybe, learning enough not to repeat the same patterns. But, maybe I will. I sure have. Such is the ride of this life, and I hope to enjoy as much of it as I can without doing (too much) harm. Yoga is teaching me how to be exactly who I am (as I am today) authentically. I may be a little bi-polar tomorrow, today I am steady and straight (maybe.) How would life be without the rises and dips in the road?

Probably not very interesting. Or fun. Or authentic.

ENJOY! ("joy"is the root of that word..carry it into your life.)

Householders

I found yoga late in life. I was already a householder...responsible. Of the world. One of my greatest inspirations is the life of Mahatma (Great One) Gandhi. He married at 15. Had a small passel of children...even admitted to being "lustful" for his (even younger) bride. He blamed himself for her never learning to read...he said he'd start to teach her with the greatest of intentions and then end up so overcome with lust that the lesson could not continue. : ) Ahhhh...human. He came from an affluent family. Went to university and became a lawyer...albeit, a bad one. And it wasn't until quite a bit later in his life (30's), after children, that he found the path of the renunciate and declared that he would continue to provide and serve his family but as far as physical relations and material wealth, he was devoting his life to "Satyagraha"...truth force...and to God. Without question, one of the most amazing human beings ever to grace this planet. But, I wonder what his wife and children must have thought? At least in the beginning...hmmmmm...

In our culture, it isn't feasible to live the life of an ascetic with a family. Or maybe it is. I don't know. I certainly don't live it. Unless you count the time dedicated to everyone in my family except myself. But, I don't. Ascetism is for a different time. Maybe after grandkids. Or great grandkids. For now, I live in the stage of Householder and I honor it. It's hard sometimes. But, most of the time seeing my babies sweet faces...oh, well...those are boons I'm not about to give back. I believe, as it should be!

Foundation

Foundation. Our base. In life, it's what is firm, stable, and familiar. It's probably what is taken the most for granted. As children, it's our mom and dad...or our Mom or our Dad, sometimes it's a grandparent or an aunt or uncle...even an older sibling. When something happens that changes our "foundation"...our stability...our body stores that memory. Our body stores many of our life's happenings...manifesting, sometimes, in ways that need therapy, other times in ways that just create nuisances. But all of these memories have made us who we are...I understand, finally, that that is okay. Fallibilities. Weaknesses. Strengths. Talents. All traits demonstrate who we are and who we are becoming. Wow! No need to judge. As we are today. Tomorrow. Saturday. Next year. Worthy is what we are. Of love. Divine.

On the mat, our foundation will make or break (so to speak) the final manifestation of the pose. My teacher once likened the foundation to electricity with a ground...the power is channeled and "controlled"...safe. But, a pose without a proper foundation is like electricity without a ground...lightening...uncontrollable, wild, sloppy...even a little bit scary. Set your foundation. Well. I mean good. Be firm. Mean it! "Don't be floppy!" And your pose will be a celebration of the Divinity within.

Stigma

Good day, Scorpios! Today is my husband's birthday...what a year it has been! I congratulate him for the challenges he's faced and the good form with which he's confronted them. Life is not easy...as all of us can attest. I remember the days when I complained (!!) about school...exams, peer-pressure, being cool...and I wish I could convey to my own kids how important it is to enjoy these times...or at least TRY to (and my kids aren't even through elementary school yet!) I had my 20 year high school reunion last year and I loved every minute of it. I did not, however, love every minute of high school...in fact, I pretty much hated it. Got through it. Barely. With LOTS of attitude. But, I managed to stay out of Juvie and rehab. I wore a lot of black. Got REAL skinny. And I had an "A" with a circle around it written everywhere (pee chee's, lockers, Ked's.) Went through a phase of "Life Sucks!" (what? how hormonal was I?) Spent ALL of my "spare" time in the Drama room (maybe not so surprising to those who know me) Listened to Suicidal Tendencies, Dead Kennedy's, The Smiths, The Cult, and The Cure...lot's of "The's." Had WAY too many issues with boys. WAY!!!! DUDE!!!! WHOA! Scary WAY! But, you know...the reunion was great. Even more surprising was how UNsurprised my old classmates were of my being a yoga teacher!!! So, I had to put all of this into perspective...in high school I was: a rebel. Check (sort of.) A Drama queen. Check (still am.) Depressed? Not really...just confused, like I think all teenagers are. Right? Oh, and hormonal. Horny? What! At 16? No dang way! Boys, I tell ya...whew! But, I want to know why it wasn't surprising to these people that I now taught yoga...a tantric yoga, none the less. "Align with the Divine." The mantra I wear on my chest (via a tee shirt, of course.) So, there must be a stigma attached to yoga teachers. I have no piercings. I have no tattoos. Where do I fit in? Hmmmmmmm....I'm a gemini. And pitta. And "type A". And, according to Meyer's/Briggs an "ENFP" (extrovert being the 'E'). Bossy. Overbearing. Anxious. Ambitious. Let's just face it, I'm a woman of the 21st century.

I love yoga. I love people. A lot. As someone who is "seeking" the yogic path, I don't dwell too much in my past...but I sure have a grand time reminiscing! I have stories...Holy Cow! As we all do. These are the stories that made us who we are today. Share them. They ROCK!

Yoga as a spiritual path

The Universe has a way of bombarding us with issues over and over again until we become astute enough to take notice. Over the last few weeks I've been inundated with the idea of conflicting beliefs...within and without and enmeshed within yoga philosophy and tradition. As a seeker deepens his/her practice, more questions arise. I've found that I need to express my questions in the form of class themes and focus. Whether this is in good or bad form, I don't really know...but I do know that it's been creating a little bit of chaos and tension within my teaching venues. Some may know that I teach outside of the studio...in "gyms." I began my yoga practice and started my yoga teaching in the gym environment (as I'm sure most of us teachers have...at least in Spokane)...what is the most challenging for me, as I've deepened my study and practice of yoga, is "taming" my teaching for these type of arenas. As I carry a theme from a studio class into a "gym" class I've been confronted by people who are "offended" by stanzas taken from ancient sacred texts (such as the Sutras, Upanishads, and the Bhagavad Gita) believing that they are in conflict with their Christianity. It simply isn't so. As demonstrated by the late Paramahansa Yogananda in his, "Autobiography of a Yogi"...the concepts within the Vedic texts hold a seed within the sacred texts of all the world's religions. Yogananda quoted biblical scriptures frequently within his book...and, in fact, was a scholar of the Western bible. Yoga is a spiritual path...not a religion. It excludes no one and includes everyone. Love is the basis. Reunion/communion with the "Divine" (fill in the name of your Higher Power here) is the intention. I am a new seeker. I am a student. I learn as much during my seat as the teacher from the class as I do when I participate as a student. I am continually humbled by the understanding that I am unable to "know" anything until I've actually experienced it. I don't teach yoga...I teach the search for yoga as I am, myself, seeking it.

Chanting..Fro Daily Om

November 11, 2008Divine ResonanceChanting
In many cultures and civilizations, chanting, a form of vocal meditation, has endured through the ages. Practiced by many people around the world seeking greater health, a sense of well-being, enlightenment, and a connection to the divine, chanting unites the mind, body, emotions, and breath through vocal sounding. This unification can open and nurture your creativity, lower stress levels, and teach you to become fully alert and in the moment. Some people are naturally drawn to chant while others feel awkward using their voices in such a way. Singing along with recorded chants before chanting on your own can help dispel any nervousness. However, the chanting that will resonate most deeply and beneficially for you is the chanting you do for yourself. There are many different chants. They can be composed of names, words, sounds, syllables, or even sections of text. What you chant is less important than your willingness to focus fully on the act of chanting itself. To begin, sit comfortably with a straight back and take a series of long, deep breaths to open and flex your lungs. Then, take another breath, and with resonant tones direct your breath outward in the form of sound. Simple syllables like ‘oh,’ ‘ee,’ or ‘mm’ are easy to remember. Chanting lets you raise the level of your own vibration to a higher spiritual state. You can chant as an invocation or to set intention. Reciting even the simplest chant can bolster a flagging spirit, hone the mind, and produce natural painkillers within the brain. While chanting, you may feel energy surging through your physical body or joy entering your heart. Chanting can liberate and ground you simultaneously because it allows your soul to soar freely while compelling you to focus on the here and now.

Monday, November 10

"What's old is new again"...taking a second look. Today we examined "common" poses with the Principles of Alignment. The re-introduction to familiar asanas by awakening taken-for-granted muscle energy. Okay...so, I guess if I was doing them "right" I would never take any muscle action for granted. I humbly accept that as being always in the seat of the student (even while, sometimes, in the seat of the teacher...)

We played in handstand (without the wall) and what a unique perspective for most of us (teachers, too) when...after the excitement of being upside down on our hands subsides...if there's still enough time...to think about engaging all 5 principles of Alignment. Oh, that's right...without the wall. Hmmmmm....so, that may cause us to re-think the efficacy of walls...you know? Do we take them for granted? I mean, sure, they hold up the ceiling, they give us nice space to display our artwork and family photos...but are we giving walls the credit they really deserve? Consider the ease with which you may float up into handstand (or headstand) with the wall comfortingly behind you...but take that away, and OOOOOH! BABY! It's a whole new game...a whole new look...

Sunday, November 9, 2008

I am so pleased to invite everyone to our "New to You" clothing exchange and karma yoga next Sunday, November 16th 7:00 - 8:30 pm. The idea is that everyone brings clothes that they no longer wear (or have outgrown...in size or fashion: ) and we trade with others. So, it becomes a swap-meet of sorts. A teacher-friend of mine actually gave me the idea (thanks Brandi!) and I thought it would be a terrific idea to get people together and experience the idea of gratitude. In these economic times, I feel the concept of "recycling" is more important than ever. I hope everyone can really participate and enjoy the "treasures" of others. We are requesting $10 donation that will benefit the MSY Karma Holiday project: Providing the Kneer family with gifts and food to celebrate the season. This is the second year we've participated in the ECEAP "adopt a family" and last year was such a joy I am happy to do it again.

I hope you all enjoy your Sunday. Blessings and Love to you all!

Kim